Studying Law in the U.S.: From Summer Courses to the LL.M. Toni M. Fine Fordham Law School, New York City

Transcription

1 Studying Law in the U.S.: From Summer Courses to the LL.M. Toni M. Fine Fordham Law School, New York City

2 Studying Law in the U.S. Why? Demands of Global Law Practice: Learn common law. Learn how U.S. lawyers think. Practice legal English. Valuable credential in the employment market. Take a break/have fun!

3 Studying Law in the U.S. Possibilities: Summer Programs. Visiting Research Programs. J.D. programs. LL.M. (and other graduate) programs.

4 Summer Law Programs in the U.S. Advantages: Low cost (e.g., Fordham: 3 weeks for $3,400 including housing). Shorter time commitment. Good practice : Do you like it? Are your English-language skills sufficient? Warm up for the LL.M. A good excuse to go to NYC/U.S. for a few weeks!

5 U.S. Summer Law Programs Where? Fordham University (New York City) University of Alabama Boston University University of Illinois International Law Institute (D.C.) Vanderbilt University (Tennessee) Washington University in St. Louis Etc.

6 Visiting Research Programs What is this? Academic home to pursue research. Need contact. Low fee. Flexible amount of time.

7 J.D. Programs Basic U.S. Law Degree Duration: Three (3) years. Some two (2)-year programs. Best for those who want to stay in U.S. and work in large law firm, etc.

8 What is the LL.M.? LL.M. = Master of Laws Duration One year full time. Some schools offer part-time programs (NB visa). Who takes the LL.M. Program? Primarily foreign lawyers/law graduates. Some U.S. students who want to specialize.

9 What is the LL.M.? Most/All LL.M. Programs are Course- Based: Two [independent] semesters. 24 credits (approx ): 1 credit = 1 hour per week in class time. Substantially more preparation time required. Basis for grade single exam or paper for each course at the end of each semester.

10 Choosing an LL.M. Program Admissions Standards: Vary widely by law school. Ask people you know. There is an LL.M. program for almost anyone! Factors (discussed below): Grades (state exam) TOEFL Professional experience Letters of recommendation Personal statement

11 Choosing an LL.M. Program Factors to Consider: Curricular issues: Areas of specialization offered. Special courses for LL.M. students. Writing opportunities for LL.M. students. Internships, clinical opportunities. Professors with whom you want to work. Extra-curricular possibilities (e.g., journal).

12 Choosing an LL.M. Program Factors to Consider (continued): Cost (but see below) Program size. Attention from LL.M. program staff. Ask any/all questions! Location. Rankings use them selectively and smartly.

13 Choosing an LL.M. Program What About the Rankings? What rankings? U.S. News and World Report visit Brian Leiter visit Use rankings smartly and selectively.

14 Choosing an LL.M. Program What Else can you Do? Contact with current and former students. Ask your professors. Visit if possible. Summer courses.

15 Financing the LL.M. Program Cost Varies: Public versus private. Location tuition and living expenses. $40,000+ for tuition. LL.M. Scholarships: Some law schools offer merit-based scholarship (full or partial). Always ask!

16 Financing the LL.M. Program External Sources of Financial Aid: Rotary DAAD Fulbright Other Sources

17 The Application Overview of the Application Process: Application form Fee TOEFL Personal statement Resume or curriculum vitae Letters of recommendation

18 The Application Application form Fee TOEFL: Paper-based: 600 minimum Computer-based: 250 minimum Internet-based: 100 minimum

19 The Application Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose/Statement of Motivation: Writing sample -- professional Interview on paper personal Specific for each school

20 The Application Resume or Curriculum Vitae Structured summary of your educational and professional life. Personal details not required but c.v. OK. Readability and accessibility. Helpful to have some law-related experience.

21 The Application Letters of Recommendation Two generally requested: One from academic preferable. One can be from employer/supervisor. No personal references. How to meet a professor? What a good letter should say.

22 The Application Process When to Apply: After first state exam or second state exam? Deadlines for applications. Be Attentive to Details and Polite.

23 Questions? Contact Toni M. Fine